Matcha Latte's Epsom Handicap Run A Test of Dilmi's Patient Approach

Nacim Dilmi's extensive experience gained during his time at Godolphin has profoundly shaped his approach to training in his own capacity. One fundamental principle he has carried forward, and which he has used to ready his inaugural Group 1 competitor, stands out.

Dilmi, who assumed the role of private conditioner for Domeland slightly over a year ago, is poised to reach a significant career milestone as Matcha Latte is set to carry the team's hopes in Saturday's Epsom Handicap (1600m) at Randwick.

The horse's progression to this stage may well be attributed to Dilmi's implementation of a core piece of guidance from his former mentor, James Cummings, the ex-head trainer at Godolphin – the virtue of patience.

"If it doesn't work out that week, you've just got to move on," Dilmi expressed. "There's no point holding a grudge. At the end of the day, you're training animals, not machines, and if things don't go right, well you've just got to be patient and their time will come. That was the main thing with James, and I think that's what he learned from Bart (Cummings) as well. You've just got to be patient."

It was precisely this patience that Dilmi demonstrated when he made the decision to spell Matcha Latte after the gelding secured a placing in the Provincial-Midway Championships Final (1400m) back in April.

Jockey Ash Morgan's post-race assessment indicated that the gelding seemed ready for a longer distance. However, rather than immediately escalating Matcha Latte's workload over further ground, Dilmi opted for a more measured, long-term strategy.

This thoughtful approach not only afforded Matcha Latte a crucial spell but also provided the necessary recuperation time for the niggling soundness concerns that have persistently affected him throughout his career.

"When he ran third in the Final this year, Ash said, 'I think he's looking for the mile now'," Dilmi recalled. "We didn't want to push on with him, that was his grand final that 'prep', but we've brought him back with the Epsom as his potential target. We knew coming back this time of the year would be quite tough, spring carnival. But he's shown he's back in great order. I've been able to train him properly now instead of being careful due to soundness issues. The vet and farriers are very happy with him."

From a statistical standpoint, Matcha Latte's performance at the mile distance is not outstanding. Across five attempts at this trip, he has achieved two second-place finishes and has yet to win beyond 1400m.

However, these figures are somewhat misleading, as both placings occurred in closely contested Group 3 races, and he has predominantly been raced over 1400m during his more recent campaigns.

Dilmi remains confident in the horse's ability to handle the 1600m distance and has been thoroughly impressed by the gelding's build-up, which includes a recent second to General Salute in the Bill Ritchie Handicap (1400m).

"We took him to Newcastle for a grass gallop (on Tuesday) morning as Wyong is out of play at the moment. He's in great order," Dilmi confirmed. "I can't fault the horse and hopefully he can finally put a stakes win to his name."

It is quite remarkable that Matcha Latte has accumulated nine black-type placings without managing a victory at stakes level.

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